Since 2014, we’ve taken on many exciting projects, from local events to big international ones. We’re especially proud of our work in the world of chess, where we’ve really made a mark. We’ve introduced new ways to compete and brought chess to more people than ever before. Our team loves to think outside the box and push the limits of what can be done with this classic game. Here are some highlights of our innovative work in chess:
The Meltwater Champions Chess Tour – 2021 season
When the pandemic halted traditional sports, chess proved unique in its seamless transition online. Seizing this opportunity, we launched the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, turning a 1,500-year-old game into a high-stakes, competitive esport. This innovative tour featured rapid chess formats and brought together the world’s top players, competing for a $1.6 million prize pool. Our Oslo-based studio delivered unparalleled production quality, making chess accessible and exciting for newcomers and enthusiasts alike. The tour’s success was evident in its staggering 115 million live views and extensive media coverage, earning us global sponsorships and the Leaders In Sports Digital Entertainment Award.
The Meltwater Champions Chess Tour – 2022 season
Building on our previous success, the 2022 season expanded our reach and was recognized again by Leaders in Sports, this time in the Esports and Gaming Category. This award acknowledged our significant contributions to advancing esports and gaming through innovative sponsorships, consumer broadcasting, and brand activation.
The Inaugural FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship
We launched the first-ever Chess World Championship held in Norway, which was also the first to include online qualifiers leading to physical finals. This championship was unique not just for its format but also because it was the first to monitor players’ heart rates, adding a new layer of engagement. Hosted at Norway’s prestigious Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, every move was broadcast live, reaching audiences worldwide through NRK, chess.com, and Twitch (teaser produced by NRK, in Norwegian only)
Magnus Carlsen and Microsoft
for The 2016 Chess World Championship
In chess, keeping your strategic preparations private is as crucial as the strategies themselves. For Magnus Carlsen, secure digital communication was vital, especially during the intense 2016 face-off against Russian Grandmaster Sergej Karjakin, where any leak could jeopardize the championship.
In collaboration with Pulse Communications, we partnered with Microsoft on behalf of Play Magnus AS to safeguard all sensitive information. Microsoft ensured top-notch security before and during the World Championship, a critical factor in Carlsen’s success. This partnership not only bolstered Carlsen’s campaign but also captured widespread media attention from prominent outlets like CNN, BBC, The New York Post, The Telegraph, and Norway’s VG, spotlighting the intersection of technology and competitive sports.